Audi stated this during the commissioning of three newly acquired gun trucks by the NSCDC Federal Capital Territory Command and the unveiling of the Special Tactical Squad of the command.
The FCT is facing an alarming spate of insecurity, prompting growing concerns among residents and authorities.
According to a December 2023 Nigeria Security Report by Beacon Consulting Limited, an enterprise security risk management and intelligence firm, a total of 519 persons were abducted across 229 local government areas in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The report showed that FCT ranked third in the states with the highest number of abductees, with 67 civilians and one government official abducted in December 2023.
The CG noted that Nigeria was passing through a conflict period that required rugged solutions, hence the need for gun trucks.
He said, “As we all know, Nigeria is passing through asymmetric conflict which requires a rugged solution. The commissioning of these gun trucks is one of the strategic ways and methods of providing solutions to this present challenge.”
Audi warned officers not to use the gun trucks to intimidate or harass civilians, adding that the human rights of every Nigerian must be respected.
“These gun trucks must not be used for the harassment or intimidation of civilians. They must be used for molestation. You must respect fundamental human rights. These gun trucks should only be used for those idiots who have deprived Nigerians of sleep. You must carry out all these instructions with sister agencies.”
The Commandant of the FCT Command, Olusola Odumosu, appreciated Audi for supporting the command with the gun trucks and facilitating the training and retraining of the squad over the last eight weeks.
Odumosu stated that the command was now recalibrated to face crimes and criminality head-log in the FCT, adding that “the tactical squad will be strategically positioned within the territory to get rid of criminals.”
“As a command, we will continue to do all that it takes to rid the FCT of criminal elements.”
The commandant, however, appealed to the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, to support the command with more equipment and gadgets to help carry out their duties effectively.
Odumosu appealed, “It may interest you to know that for the corps to be properly positioned for enhanced service delivery, the FCT command needs more operational vehicles, motorcycles, communication gadgets, protective wears, and other vital equipment to properly and effectively function.
“The need for effective coverage of various suburbs in the six Area Councils necessitated the above requests.”
He also solicited that relevant departments at the FCT Administration renovate and put the command back in shape.
Wike, who was represented by the Director of the Department of Security Services, FCTA, Adamu Gwari, pledged support for the command while urging the squad to be at their best.
He said, “Wike is ever ready to support our security agencies for optimum performance.
“To the trained squad, make judicious use of this equipment and contribute your quota to the safety and security of the territory.
“We want to see the products of your efforts where residents will sleep with their eyes closed. Protect the critical infrastructure of the FCT against vandals.”
Earlier, the CG commissioned a newly built furnished accommodation in Kwali Area Council, FCT, donated by the Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. Danladi Chiya.
